With tensions simmering with India after some Maldivian ministers’ remarks, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu seems to have read the times and the need to seek ways to strengthen Maldives relations beyond New Delhi, especially with Beijing, with whom it has shared years of friendship.
It plans to, at the same time, seek ways for a rapprochement with India in the face of the new face-off.
Three ministers, namely Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna, and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, who were staffs of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, lashed out against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting Indian tourism in a video he took and shared on his official X account during a visit to Lakshadweep, an Indian Union territory in the Arabian Sea.
The minister’s remarks were considered derogatory by India and Indians and have led to a row between the two countries. The incident has continued to sway reactions, particularly among Indians who have announced their concerted desire to boycott the Maldives’ and instead visit local tourist centers.
President Muizzu’s recent trip to China is timely, as the Maldives’ seek to build stronger ties and solidify tourism and economic cooperation with the Asian giant.
Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, showered China with praise during his visit to the Fujian province.
He hailed China as the Maldives’ “closest ally” and lauded the Belt and Road Initiative, a Chinese-led infrastructure project, for delivering “the most significant projects in Maldivian history.”
He called for a “re-intensification” of efforts to bring back Chinese tourists, who were the top source of visitors to the Maldives before the pandemic.
He also signed a $50 million deal with China to develop an integrated tourism zone, showcasing their commitment to deepening economic ties.
However, the Maldives’ renewed interest in deepening relations with China, especially as it relates to the existing spat with India, isn’t without its complexities.
Maldives’ is expected to revisit its issues with India by reconfiguring its relationship. India, being a strategic security partner and economic player, will be crucial in balancing the country’s strategic interests.
The India-Maldives situation serves as a stark reminder of the delicate geopolitical path the country must walk to ensure balanced diplomatic relations with its two allies.
Beyond the diplomatic relations that the Maldives’ seek, Muizzu also emphasized the need to diversify the Maldives’ economy beyond tourism.
Speaking to Chinese officials and investors, he urged Chinese companies to invest in various projects, including port relocation, airport development, and additional airport construction. These initiatives, he hopes, will bolster economic security and create new avenues for growth.
The Maldives’ future remains uncertain, caught between the currents of diplomacy and economic ambitions as it relates to India and China.
While Muizzu’s China visit suggests a potential tilt towards closer ties with the Asian giant, navigating the torrents of international relations will require skillful maneuvering and a keen awareness of the ever-shifting geopolitical landscape.
On Sunday, the Maldives government announced the suspension of the three deputy ministers who used disparaging words against PM Modi. This is a good move considering the Maldives’ government’s intentions to mend the diplomatic fence with India.
If the Maldives’ succeeds in working out the brewing issues with India while strengthening bilateral relations with China, its geopolitical stance will be bolstered, and its domestic and international interests will be boldly highlighted.
